Lycium ferocissimum grows on all soil types, but establishes best on lighter soils, particularly along dry creek beds. It has been used as a hedge plant from where it has spread into pastures, neglected areas, and along roadsides, railway reserves and waterways. Boxthorn can invade dry coastal vegetation, lowland grassland and grassy woodland, riparian vegetation and rock outcrop vegetation.
Manual control
Bushes can be cut down and burned but all root material would have to be dug out. Will regrow from any left in ground,
From SGLN’s 2017 weed guide.
Herbicides must be applied at the appropriate rate as specified on the label and all safety precautions followed. If chemical control is necessary near drainage lines or streams, use extreme caution as the effects on aquatic life can be devastating even in minute amounts. Always seek expert advice.
Chemical control notes from SGLN’s 2017 weed guide
Cut and paint with Round Up or Vigilant Gel. Registered chemicals are Brush Off and Grazon (ACUP required). This plant is difficult to kill and retreatment is often neccesary. Pulse penetrant can be added to assist chemical take up. Always check the herbicide label before use.
These notes are from 2017, and some information, particularly herbicide information, may be out of date. Please ask local suppliers and do your own research in selecting herbicides if choosing chemical control.
Family, origin, type, plant instead, control methods and the note above are from SGLN’s pocket guide Common weeds of South Gippsland (2026).
